These are the most common typefaces in the database, but there are many more. Try a search!

FAQ

Browsing the Collection

What is a Use?

A Use is a single entry or page in the Collection. It represents a typeface in use for a particular design project (e.g. an object, magazine issue, brand identity, or advertising campaign) documented by one or more images.

What is a Staff Pick?

Staff Picks are contributions from any user that are selected by the Fonts In Use Staff for their exceptional design or documentation. As you browse, you can limit any Collection page to show “Staff Picks Only” using the filter at the top right of the gallery. This helps you see only the best of a typeface, category, or search results.

What is a Like?

Likes are an easy way to keep track of the Uses you appreciate. Think of them like Flickr’s “Favorites”. Just click the Like button at the top of any Use page. Then see all your Likes via the “My Likes” link in the account menu at the top of the site. You can choose in your settings whether to make your Likes page public or be notified when you get a Like.

How does Fonts In Use import from Flickr?

Images may be added to the site using Flickr’s machine tags. The Flickr user’s name and source page are always included. We also try to link the Flickr user’s name to their Fonts In Use account when possible.

Contributing to the Collection

How do I submit a Use?

Click “Add a Use” from the account menu in the top right corner of the site. A form lets you upload images from your computer and add typeface, category, description, source, and other info. Once you click “Submit for approval” the Use will go into our staff’s moderation queue and (usually) published within the next 1–5 days. You can always edit your Use at any time — even after you submit it.

Use the bookmarklet to quickly and easily add Uses directly from nearly any website. Just drag the bookmarklet (found on the Welcome page) to your bookmarks toolbar and click on it whenever you see an image (or images) you want to contribute. The image(s) will be sent to the "Add a Use" form where you can add more detail.

Send images via Flickr. Simply add a “type:face=” machine tag to any image that has a Creative Commons license. Every few hours Fonts In Use will import all the new images with this tag and add them to our moderation queue for approval. This method works best if the Use can be represented with just one image.

What kind of work is allowed?

Our guideline is in our name: fonts in use. Any representation of design is welcome in the Collection, as long as type is clearly visible. Work that is primarily lettering (custom letters drawn or made specifically for a single use, including custom fonts for a single use only) is generally not accepted. We do consider, however, custom typefaces which are historically significant or otherwise outstanding, and those that are available to the general public.

Typeface specimens generally do not qualify for the Collection because a simple typeface showing isn’t a font in use. We do publish some exceptional typeface promotions, especially those that show examples of the type “in use”, even in fictional applications.

Other fictional, personal, or unpublished design is also welcome as long as it is clearly described as such.

Keep in mind, though, that all Uses are subject to our editorial staff’s review. Submissions that are considered spam, duplicates, pornographic, or otherwise inappropriate will not make it through the moderation process.

What else is required?

All you need to submit a Use is an image and a title. A description or commentary is also welcome, but not required. You can also add categories, tags, and other meta data, but it’s all optional. Even if you don’t know the typeface you can leave that field blank and our experts (nerds) will identify the type for you.

While there is no image size requirement, we always prefer the largest image available. Don’t worry about resizing — images are automatically scaled to fit the site and we’ll make use of the larger images later.

Can I contribute work or images that aren’t mine?

Yes! Just give credit wherever possible. This includes the designer of the work, the photographer of the image, and the source (website/book/magazine) where you found the imagery. The submission form makes crediting easy, and the bookmarklet will automatically include the web source.

What about images that are protected by copyright?

The content on this site is reproduced under the doctrine of Fair Use. Unless the user specifies another license, all images are assumed to have All Rights Reserved and are captioned that way by default. Still, if there is any content published on this site that you believe violates copyright law, please let us know. We will make every effort to respect copyright holders. Read our Terms and Conditions.

Where do the typeface samples come from?

When you add a typeface tag a sample is generated from our friends at FontShop.com or MyFonts.com. Custom samples can be uploaded for typefaces that are not available in these databases. If you have a font that is missing a sample, just download the template shown when you add the typeface tag.

Are you beholden to a font foundry or other corporate entity?

No. FontsInUse Ltd is an independent corporation. While we have the support of several sponsors, the content and development of the site is independent of any outside influence. Our goal is to build a channel for research and education from which anyone can benefit. We welcome the participation of any individuals, font makers, or service providers. Read our transparent Editorial Policy for more.

Do you accept Blog submissions?

Yes! While the Collection is the best place for most submissions, we warmly welcome guest editorials about Uses or topics that warrant more in-depth coverage. If you have an idea for a Blog post, let us know.

Can you identify a font for me?

We accept Collection contributions even if you don’t know what typeface is used, but if you just want a quick identification for your own purposes, try a service like What The Font or a forum like Font ID.

Can you tell me what font to use?

This site can be a useful research tool, but type selection is an intensive process that requires intimate knowledge of a brand’s values, audience, competition, voice, and goals. This usually means working with an experienced graphic designer to build your typographic identity. If you need specialized type selection assistance, members of our staff may be available for a professional consultation.

I have a question you don’t answer here.

Congratulations, you’ve bested our FAQ! Feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions that aren’t covered here.